Amanda Ganskow

Production Lease Operator

Mustang Area Weld County, CO

United States

Three words that describe you?

Resilient, determined and caring.

Who are your role models and mentors?

I look up to my cousin Leonard. He has absolutely endured more than anyone I know but has come out with a giving and gentle heart. My husband has been like an open book for me since he's been in the industry for 13 yrs!

What is your favorite thing about your current job?

I love that there is so much to learn that even the company men have a lot to learn!

What originally got you interested in your current field of work?

I never expected to end up on an oil production pad. It was a surprise and a blessing!

What career advice would you give to your younger self?

Stop being a people pleaser. Nobody matters when it comes to building a stable

solid future and life for yourself and your family.

When you started your current job, what most surprised you?

The simple fact that I was out there! Colorado winter in the country. Ha! No fun. The cold darkness was more than I expected.

Do you have an embarrassing or funny story you can share about work or something that has happened at work?

Yeah! Where my last location was, there were toads EVERYWHERE. Frogs. I found box shell turtles. The training supervisors and my leads would drive up and I would

be leaping after frogs damn near stumbling over myself and the gravel moving these critters out of the way. It became quite embarrassing after one lead man started spooking the life out of me with little frogs in my hands!

Have you had to deal with conflict or confrontation while at work? How did you handle it?

Oh absolutely! I am a young woman. Mother. I am used to modelling and performing. I came into a male dominated field where female operators are rare. It didn't set well with being a female in the middle of nowhere at night. I had to share a location with one woman. Expecting to be strong out there together she made me her enemy. No matter how nice I was. It was a HUGE challenge. But I overcame, I didn't feed the fire. I was determined to operate for noble; and I ultimately came out the better side of the entire situation because of that determination. We were separated by chance and moved to new locations. I struggled with men not accepting the fact that I was out there in that area. But. I took the random tests for the FIRST TIME ever in forever for everyone. Passed. And came face to face with a company man to prove my competence and skill in operating the econode. I just didn't get knocked down. I just did it and focused on the goal and what it would take to get there.

Do you have any suggestions on how to encourage more women to try a career in the trades?

Don't underestimate YOURSELF! If people say you can't, that's a reflection of their ability to succeed. We can bare children. Therefore we can work the trades.

Who has had the biggest impact on your career choice?

Lenny. This guy. He has encouraged me every step of the way and I mean from the time he said, "I can help you get a job." All the way through. He worked diligently and patiently. Respected my needs as a woman and gave me the opportunity to

grow on my own 2 feet. Then my husband. For all the coffees from human bean and all of the yummy food he would drive out to me. For never discouraging me, knowing I was out there alone with nothing but men. For all of his support when I wanted to quit when I felt defeated. For being my person in this life. Mostly, for sacrificing when the oil and gas world tanked. Leaving me with no option of going back out there and him to drive truck. He is holding it down so I can get an education.

What does your family think of your career?

My daughter's think it is the COOLEST thing ever. My husband is so supportive and encouraging. Some think I'm nuts to be out alone but it's not so bad.

If you could do anything, besides what you're doing now, what would you do?

Real Estate. Which is in progress!

What was the first thing you wanted to be when you grew up?

A supermodel of course. Star in all the cool action movies! Dance on Broadway. But I also always was fascinated with engineers.

What type of role do you want to take on after this one?

Full force Real Estate. It will be my career most definitely.

What do you remember most about your first job?

Gross. Dishes at a Mexican restaurant.

How old were you when you started working?

15

What is the worst job you’ve ever had?

Housekeeping

What are people always surprised to discover about you?

That I battled an abusive marriage, had 3 kids and that I worked as an exotic dancer before the oil field. Mostly though that I have 3 daughter's!

Who is your favorite person in the world?

REBA! I love Reba McEntire.

What is the craziest thing you hope to do one day? 

I hope to own multiple businesses. Crazy because of the responsibility it comes with.

Anything else you would like to add or comment on?

I want to just say that as women we have been given this cookie cutter image that we are to uphold. We live in a changing world. Women have fought for the equality rights in this country. We are a strong breed. Women should dream their dream and make it their reality. My baby girl is 8, she rides through our neighbourhood rocking my green hat. A green hat is a worm in my field. But man we love that green hat! She loves it. She wants to be a construction girl so she says. To draw buildings and build them. In her words. Because I made a first time mark even for a blink of an eye, I did that. So can she. She can build WHATEVER SHE WANTS! SO can our daughter's to come